AusBiotech has been named as one of the national peak bodies selected to join the Australian Government’s newly established Trade Diversification Network.
The Medical Technology Association of Australia is also a member of the network.
The announcement, made by Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell, confirms AusBiotech’s inclusion in the 40-member Network, which is part of the $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI). The initiative aims to help Australian businesses diversify their trade relationships and expand their international reach through strategic partnerships.
AusBiotech’s inclusion in the Network reflects the growing importance of the life sciences sector to Australia’s economic and trade agenda. The industry, encompassing biotechnology, medical technology, diagnostics, and digital health, is highly export-oriented and globally connected. By participating in the Network, AusBiotech said it will work with Austrade to support Australian innovators as they scale internationally, forge new partnerships, and tap into emerging markets.
“This is an inherently global industry, and diversified international partnership is critical to its success,” said Rebekah Cassidy, CEO of AusBiotech. “We’re delighted to be selected as part of this initiative and look forward to continuing our collaboration with Austrade to deliver practical, targeted programs that lift the global profile of Australian life sciences innovators.”
The partnership builds on AusBiotech’s existing international engagement activities and its close working relationship with Austrade. In late 2025, AusBiotech announced the appointment of Tamlyn O’Connor as its Head of Global Trade and Partnerships, a position co-funded through Austrade’s TradeStart program. In this role, O’Connor is focused on directly supporting export-ready companies and fostering global commercial partnerships in the sector.
Minister Farrell said the broader goal of the Trade Diversification Network is to help Australian businesses build resilience by expanding their global footprint beyond traditional markets. “Australia is a trading nation,” he said. “We want to see more Australian exporters doing more trade with new and emerging partners across the globe in places like the Middle East and Southeast Asia.”
For AusBiotech, joining the Network is another step in its broader mission to strengthen Australia’s position as a global leader in life sciences innovation and commercialisation. It also reinforces the organisation’s role as a key conduit between industry and government in advancing export opportunities for Australian-developed health solutions.
“Australia’s life sciences innovators are developing world-class solutions for the health of people globally,” said Cassidy. “We are proud to represent them as part of this important national initiative.”